CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — The Philippine Marines and Police Public Safety Company are pursuing a band of armed lawless elements believed to be behind the harassment of a police outpost in Poblacion Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao, and the staging of a roadside bombing against Marine soldiers in an adjacent village of the same town.
Members of the Marine Battalion anding Team-5 had a brief encounter with the lawless elements on Saturday who are believed to be members of the outlawed IS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The suspects were believed to have crossed the hinterlands of Talayan and Guindulungan towns, also in Maguindanao, and launched the diversionary attacks.
Philippine military and enemies-turned-ally Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been fighting the BIFF in Maguindanao’s second district; and that the harassment in North Upi town on Saturday was seen by the Army as a BIFF “diversionary tactic” to ward off intense military operations against them in Talayan and Guindulungan towns.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division which has jurisdiction over the Marine forces in North Upi, said the encounter occurred in Barangay Mirab after the suspects set off an improvised roadside bomb that injured seven Marine troopers.
The Marine team was on their way back to MBLT-5 battalion headquarters after the conduct of investigation on the harassment against the 1st Manuever Platoon, Police Public Safety Company when a homemade bomb went off near the bridge.
Encinas said the encounter resulted to undetermined number of casualties on the enemy side while seven Marine personnel suffered injuries.
The Marines held their ground against the undetermined number of armed men until reinforcement arrived.
In the harassment of the 1st Maneuver Platoon PPSC detachment, investigation revealed that a rifle grenade was fired from a distance and hit the outpost that injured PO2 Esmael Alabat.
“A thorough investigation is underway to determine the link between the police outpost and roadside bombing on the Marines,” Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6ID chief and commander of Task Force Central, said.
“As always, the soldiers of Task Force Central are putting their lives and limbs at risk to ensure the safety and security of the people and the community,” he added.
North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang today convened the Municipal Peace and Order Council to discuss the incident and appealed to the public to remain vigilant. (PNA)
